Exploring Shatavari: Ayurvedic Herb for Health & Wellness

Abstract

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a popular supplement which is used widely in the form of tablets, powder and capsule formulations. In Sanskrit, Shatavari is “the plant with a hundred roots” which has many benefits for women and boosts female libido. Shatavari supports the proper digestive system in the case of Pitta doshas as it balances these doshas and in Ayurveda, it is commonly known as the Queen of Herbs. In tradition, Shatavari is mainly used as a rejuvenative tonic which is helpful in women through the various phases of life. However, all genders and people of all ages are getting benefits from Shatavari. Further in this article, we will discuss the origin, morphology and constituents of Shatavari in detail which will be helpful.

Introduction

What Is Shatavari?

• Shatavari belongs to the family Liliaceae which is commonly known as Satawar, Satamulu and Shatavari and is found in Low Altitude.
• Shatavari was first discovered in 1799 which provides numerous health advantages and is a crucial component in many ayurvedic formulations.
• This Plant is native to Australia, Africa, China and various other parts of Asia.
• Shatavari has pine-needle-like Phylloclades which are green, lustrous, and uniform.
• Shatavari is a woody spinous climber which grows to a height and length of 1-2 Metres.
• The Shatavari plant is usually bell-shaped, scented and racemose white flowers with a pink tinge and commonly grows in the month of June-July.
• Shatavari is a naturally blessed herb with medicinal properties such as nutritive tonic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial and Antioxidant properties.

Ancient Verse Of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Bhav prakash nighantu (186-187)

The name and property of small Shatavari

• Known as Shatavari, Bahusuta, Bheeru, Narayani, Satavirya Hetu, Mahodari

The Name and Properties of Large Shatavari

• They are Satamuli, Urdhvakantaka, Mahodari, Mahashatavari

Varities Of Shatavari

Small Shatavari

• It is sweet and bitter, with cold potency. It acts as a rejuvenator and thus intellectual. Support the digestive fire and increase stamina, act as a galactagogue. Manages vata and pitta doshas and inflammation.

Big Shatavari

• It is good for the heart and has rejuvenating properties so useful in managing Piles, Ulcerative Colitis and eye diseases.

Both types of Shatavari

Are good at managing tridoshas, Piles and in emaciation.

Classification Of Shatavari

• Kingdom – Plantae
• Subkingdom – Tracheobionta
• Order – Asparagales
• Family – Asparagaceae
• Genus – Asparagus
• Species – Asparagus racemosus

Indian Name (Vernacular Names)

• Sanskrit name – Satamuli, Satavari
• Hindi name – Satawar, Satavari
• Tamil name – Kilwari, Ammaikodi
• Bengali name – Satamuli
• Malayalam name – Shatavali
• English Name – Wild Asparagus, Buttermilk Root and Climbing Asparagus
• Kannada name – Majjige Gadde
• Marathi Gujarati name – Satavari
• Konkani name – Satavari
• Assamese name – Satomul
• Gujarati name – Shatavari
• Manipuri name – Nunggarei
• Oriya name – Vari, Pali
• Punjabi name – Chhotta Kelu
• Urdu name – Satawar
• Arabic name – Shakakul, Shaqaqul
• Chinese name – Tian Men Dong
• Nepalese name – Kurilo

Synonyms

• Saptapadi – It means seven steps which is an important ritual, as Shatavari is known for a hundred husbands so it is acceptable.
• Abhiru – Shatavari has a sharp spine
• Adhakandaka – The spines of Shatavari are recurved
• Peevari – The roots of Shatavari are succulent
• Narayani – Is Auspicious
• Phanijihvaparni – Shatavari resembles the tongue of a snake
• Svadurasa – Taste of shatavari is sweet

Botanical Distribution Of Shatavari

• The under-shrubby Shatavari can reach a height of 3 metres.
• Shatavari is a spinous herb whose root is short in size and is succulent.
• Roots – the roots of Shatavari are elongated and tuberous brown, tapered in the ends. They are commonly found in smooth clusters. When dried, Shatavari develops longitudinal wrinkles that are well-marked.
• Leaves – Shatavari has thin and pine-shaped needles. This plant is usually a woody climber which is known as Liana bearing brown which usually changes its colour from white to grey and has protective pine needles at the top of the leaves.
• Stems – Shatavari is 4 mm long
• Flowers –The flowers of Shatavari are yellow-green and are small in size. They are uniform and have little blossoms in February and March. Flowers are aromatic, hermaphrodite which are mainly cleaned by bees.
• Fruits – Fruits of Shatavari are small berries that appear purple-black. They have attractive red berries, which have matured from green to red.
• Microscopic Character – The plant’s outer layer is brown, as the cortex consists of thin parenchymal cells with deposits of calcium oxalate crystals found in the cortical cells. There are 2-3 layers of a peripheral layer of cork cells which are followed by a layer of phelloderm.

Geographical Distribution Of Shatavari

Shatavari is mostly found in Sri Lanka, India, and the Himalayas but is found worldwide. Shatavari is located in tropical and subtropical regions of India that are up to 1500 metres in elevation. Mostly found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal.

Production Technology

• Soil – Soil is red loamy with sufficient drainage. Shatavari is a rooted crop which can grow easily with a depth of 20-30 cm
• Climate – This crop is growing under the agro-climate regions from temperature to hilly regions.
• Harvesting and Yield – The roots mature after 12-14 months depending upon the climate and the condition of the soil. A single plant can yield about 500-600 grams of fresh roots.

Classification Of Shatavari

• Kingdom – Plantae
• Subkingdom – Tracheobionta
• Order – Asparagales
• Family – Asparagaceae
• Genus – Asparagus
• Species – Asparagus racemosus

Ras Panchak

Ayurvedic properties of Shatavari

1. Rasa – Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
2. Guna – Guru (heavy), Snigdha (oily)
3. Virya – Sheeta (cold)
4. Vipaka – Madhura (sweet)
5. Shatavari effects on doshas – Balances Pitta and Vata doshas

Shatavari is the Queen of herbs, which has the following ayurvedic properties. Despite being heavy and oily, Shatavari is helpful in calming pitta and vata doshas. Because of the Sweet metabolic taste and cold potency, Shatavari aggravates the kapha doshas. This herb has essential properties and shows positive results on various dhatus (body tissues) which are Rasa Dhatus (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscles), Asthi (bones) and Shukra (reproductive fluids).

Shatavari helps balance the tridoshas of the body (Tridoshahara), treats various respiratory disorders (tuberculosis), Kshataksheenahara (helpful in injury), helpful in bleeding disorders such as Rectal bleeding, nose bleeding and various other menorrhagia conditions, enhances the lactation and Shukrala (improves motility and mobility of sperm).

Mode Of Propagation

Rhizomes

Phytochemical Constituents Of Asparagus Racemosus

Shatavari contains Steroidal Saponins which are known as Shatavarin 1 and 6, sarsasapogenin, Asparanin and Adcendin which are extracted from the Asparagus Racemosus. Shatavarin 1 is a major glycoside with 3 glucose and rhamnose attached to the Sarsasapogenin.

1. Leaves – The leaves of Shatavari contain Diosgenin and other Saponins such as Shatavarins 1 and 4.
2. Roots – Roots of Shatavari contain Shatavarin 5, Shatavarin 6-10, alpha diphenyl- beta-picrylhdrazyl, Racemosol and Asparagine.
   
   Isoflavones 8-methoxy-5,6,4 trihydroxy isoflavone-7-0-beta- D-glucopyranoside, Sitosterol 4,6-dihudroxy-2-O, Kaepfrol and Sarsapogenin, Saponin are found in roots.
   The trace minerals zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt and potassium zinc are found in the roots of Shatavari.
3. Flowers – Fruits – Racemoside A, B, C steroidal saponin, Quercitin and Rutin are found in the fruits of Shatavari.

Pharmacological Activity

• Galactagogue Effect – The root extract of Asparagus helps increase the production of milk. Studies show that the extract of Racemosus root when administered intramuscularly, Shatavari helps increase the weight of the mammary gland and milk yield. Shatavari has the action of releasing the corticosteroids and increasing the prolactin level.
• Antisecretory and Anti-ulcer activity – Shelps strengthen mucosal resistaincreasencreasing the secretion and viscosity of the mucous and reducing the hydrogen ion diffusion. Asparagus has healing properties which inhibit secretion and has cytoprotective activity.
• Antitussive Effect – The Methanolic extract of Asparagus roots contains antitussive effects.
• Antibacterial Activity – Methanolic extracts have antibacterial property.
• Gastrointestinal Effect – The Powdered form of Racemosus is helpful in dyspepsia. Asparagus helps protectrotecting the mucosa which reduces the severity of ulceration. Shatavari protects the mucosal lining against pentagastrin and carbachol which is helpful in both ulceration and ulcer index.
• Anti-hepatotoxic Activity – The roots of Asparagus racemosus help reduce the Alanine Transakinase and Aspartate Transaminase which indicates the Anti-hepatotoxic potential.

Traditional View

Folk View – Folk medication has mostly existed in the Indian Subcontinent from the ancient time. The experts of Folk Medications are Vaidyas and are further used by Kavirajes who treat various diseases with juice extracted from plants. Traditionally in Thailand, the decoction of roots of shatavari is useful in the treatment of the Spleen, liver and many organs.

Traditional View

Folk View – Folk medication has mostly existed in the Indian Subcontinent from the ancient time. The experts of Folk Medications are Vaidyas and are further used by Kavirajes who treat various diseases with juice extracted from plants. Traditionally in Thailand, the decoction of roots of shatavari is useful in the treatment of the Spleen, liver and many organs.

Nutritional Value Of Shatavari

The nutritional value is as follows

1. Crude Protein – 7.8 ± 0.2
2. Carbohydrates – 37.2 ± 0.5
3. Total Fat – < 1
4. Crude Fibre – 28.9 ± 0.4

Various Properties Of Shatavari

• Apasmara (epilepsy)
• Murcha (loss of consciousness)
• Vatavyadhi (nervous disorders)
• Amlapitta (acidic reflux)
• Shola (pain)
• Grahani (IBS)
• Arsha (Haemorrhoids)
• Hridrogas (Cardiac disorders)
• Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
• Shotha (swelling)
• Stanyakshaya (Enhances lactation)
• Mutrakrichcha (Retention of urine)
• Daurbalya (general debility)
• Drishti Mandya (in low vision)
• Pandu (Anaemia)
• Kricha (Painful Micturition)
• Krimihara (Intestinal worms)
• Pushtida (nourishes)
• Garbh Prada (Infertility)
• Hikkanigrahana (uncontrolled Hiccups)
• Kasahara (Cough)

Therapeutic Uses Of Shatavari

• Shatavari has various therapeutic uses which have a good impact on the female reproductive organs
• Asparagus racemosus has Rasayan properties which boost immunity and mental performance.
• Shatavari Regulates menstruation and ovulation.
• The roots of Shatavari prevent morning sickness are good in case of infertility and are known for their Aphrodisiac properties.
• Shatavari Treats various inflammatory and nervous system disorders.
• Shatavari is Useful in gastric ulcers, acidity and piles
• The problems which are arising due to malnutrition and the debility of Shatavari play an important role in this.
• Shatavari is useful in Liver and Kidney problems.
• Shatavari Increases the sperm count and cures sexual insufficiency. Is also useful in Spermatorrhoea.

Benefits Of Shatavari For Health

1. Shatavari In The Female Reproductive System

• Shatavari is a female-friendly herb which is useful in treating hormonal problems, so Shatavari is useful in Treating Endometriosis and enhances the maturation of eggs into the follicles.
• This herb Improves infertility and Maintains the hormonal balance within the blood.
• Shatavari contains Steroidal Saponins which is an estrogen regulators that are useful in balancing hormones.

2. Enhances Libido

• Shatavari is a natural aphrodisiac that increases the libido in men and women
• Men’s vigour and stamina are also increased by the roots of Shatavari
• Diogenin is a natural hormone replacement therapy which is found in Shatavari which is attached to the estrogen receptors and regulates the symptoms.

3. Male Reproductive System

• Shatavari is known as Female friendly herb but it is also helpful in men’s reproductive health
• The powder of Asparagus has various spermatogenic properties and an abnormal shape of the sperms which Enhances the production of sperms.
• Shatavari Treats Premature ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• The Steroidal saponins (Diosgenin) present in Shatavari stimulate the TM4 proliferation of cells and regulate the motility of sperm.
• Saponins is increasing the capacity of antioxidants in the testis.

4. Lactation

• Shatavari contains powerful Galactagogue property which boosts the secretion of milk in the mammary glands and Nourishes and strengthens the immune system
• Shatavarin 1-5 and Diosgenin have a galactagogue property which enhances the production of milk.

5. Hormonal Regulation

• Shatavari has a great impact on the adrenal gland which keeps the hormones balanced and treats hot flashes, insomnia, depression and sweating during the menstrual cycle.
• Shatavari Regulates the hormones which are helpful in females during conception.
• Steroidal saponins act as a precursor to progesterone, increase its secretion and mimic the effects of testosterone and other hormones.

6. Cardiac Functions

• Shatavari is a good antioxidant and has cardio-protective properties, which relaxes the cardiac system and is good for Arrhythmias and Palpitations.
• Shatavari helps strengthen the muscles of the heart and reduces the cholesterol level.
• Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, blockage of the heart and blood clots.
• Saponins contain Ophiopogonin D and Diosgenin which treat inflammation and prevent hypertension.

7. Enhances Digestion

• Shatavari is an excellent digestive herb which has anti-flatulent properties, as the root of Shatavari reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal.
• Shatavari Reduces indigestion and abdominal distension.
• Shatavari is a Good remedy for constipation and other gastric issues.

8. Treats Wounds And Ulcers

• Shatavari Has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties thus it Is useful in tissue regeneration.
• Saponins which are present in Shatavari inhibit the inflammatory reactions and promote the synthesis of matrix and pro-collagen.

9. Diabetes

• Shatavari Has Hypoglycemic properties, the production of insulin from Pancreatic Beta cells which become active thus it is helpful in Reducing the breakdown of Starch into glucose leading to low glucose levels.

10. In Respiratory Troubles

• Shatavari Has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-asthmatic properties.
• Shatavari helps loosen Deposits in the chest and nasal cavities, breathing easy and getting rid of mucus.
• This herb is useful in Boosting lung health and lung tissue strength

11. Anxiety And Depression

• Shatavari works as a mood enhancer, which treats Depression and Dementia. Balances Vata and Pitta doshas.
• Shatavari helps keep serotonin under control and regulates the hormones which are produced by the hypothalamic and adrenal glands.
• Improves energy and Stamina.

12. Weight Loss

• Shatavari contains flavonoids and saponins which help shed extra weight faster.
• Shatavari Prevents overeating so plays a very crucial role in weight loss.

Home Remedies From Shatavari

1. For acidity – The crushed powder form of Shatavari and Amla must be taken with warm milk.
2. For Premenstrual Syndrome – Shatavari Powder taken along with honey or milk is helpful in the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.
3. For Urinary bladder – Shatavari with Gokshura, Amla and Sugar must be crushed in equal parts and having 2 grams of this powder is a good remedy for chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder, useful in burning micturition.
4. Diarrhoea – The fresh roots of Shatavari paste are given to the child who is suffering from chronic diarrhoea.
5. Calcium deficiency – The Plant of Shatavari is useful in increasing the Calcium which supports bone in Postmenopausal women.
6. Weight Gain – The Powder of Shatavari along with Milk when consumed twice daily is helpful in weight gain.

Part Used

• Tuberous Roots

Dosage

• Fresh Juice – 10-20 ml
• Decoction – 50-100 ml
• Powder – 3-6 grams per day

Ayurvedic Formulations Of Shatavari

• Shatavari Guggul
• Shatavari Kalpa
• Shatavari Ghrit
• Shatavaryadi Churna
• Shatavari Mandoor

Ayurvedic Formulations Of Shatavari

• Shatavari Guggul
• Shatavari Kalpa
• Shatavari Ghrit
• Shatavaryadi Churna
• Shatavari Mandoor

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• Shatavaryadi Churna
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• Naari Kalyan Churna
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Conclusion

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) the Queen of Herbs has been known for centuries for its hormonal balancer properties and as a general tonic for lifting female health and libido. This herb has various properties such as enhancing the production of milk, preventing clots, maintaining a healthy heart and is a good mood enhancer, this all are the properties of this incredible root, it is also helpful in stimulating appetite, relieving difficulties in breathing and many more which are discussed in detail in this topic.